If you received a Chicago building violation labeled CN063024, the City is citing a chimney cap issue.
In plain English: CN063024 means you must cap a masonry chimney with non-combustible, waterproof materials.
This is usually about preventing water damage (which destroys mortar/brick fast) and reducing safety risks from deteriorating masonry.
What CN063024 usually means (simple explanation)
CN063024 is commonly described as:
- “Cap masonry chimney with non-combustible, water proof materials.”
It’s often paired with citations like:
- 13-152-250(B)
- 13-152-240
- 13-196-590
Translation: the City believes the chimney is missing a proper cap (or the existing cap is failing), and they want a compliant cap installed.
Why the City cares about chimney caps
A chimney without a proper cap is basically a funnel for water.
Over time, that leads to:
- Washed-out mortar joints
- Spalling bricks
- Loose masonry (fall hazard)
- Interior leaks and ceiling stains
- Freeze/thaw damage that turns a “small fix” into a rebuild
Why you got hit with CN063024
CN063024 often shows up when an inspector observes:
- No chimney cap present
- A cracked or crumbling crown/cap
- Open flue tiles exposed to water
- Loose bricks/mortar at the top courses
- General chimney deterioration consistent with water intrusion
Sometimes the notice will also mention fractures, loose bricks, or deteriorated mortar “throughout.”
Why CN063024 is a big deal
If ignored, chimney problems usually get worse quickly (especially in Chicago winters).
CN063024 can lead to:
- Follow-up violations for loose masonry or exterior wall defects
- Higher repair costs (rebuild vs. cap)
- Potential safety concerns if bricks loosen and fall
- Delays during sale/refi if the violation stays open
How to solve CN063024 (step-by-step)
The goal is: install a compliant chimney cap, fix any top-of-chimney deterioration, and document compliance.
1) Confirm what “cap” means in your case
“Cap” can mean different things depending on the chimney:
- A chimney crown/cap (masonry or concrete) that sheds water
- A metal cap / rain cover over the flue
- Both (common)
Your contractor should verify what’s missing or failing.
2) Inspect the top courses (don’t just slap a cover on)
Before installing a cap, check for:
- Loose/spalled bricks
- Cracked crown
- Deteriorated mortar joints
- Damaged flue tile
If the top is falling apart, you’ll need repair first.
3) Repair/rebuild as needed, then install the cap
Common compliant fixes include:
- Tuckpointing/replacing damaged bricks at the top
- Rebuilding the top courses if unstable
- Pouring a proper crown with drip edge
- Installing a non-combustible, waterproof cap/rain cover
4) Confirm whether permits are required
Many chimney repairs are treated as maintenance, but larger rebuild work can trigger permit requirements.
If the scope is significant, confirm before starting.
5) Document the correction
Save:
- Before photos (wide + close)
- After photos (same angles)
- Contractor invoice + scope of work
- Any material specs (if available)
6) Close out compliance (certification / re-inspection)
Depending on the notice, you may need:
- Re-inspection
- Certification/affidavit steps
Make sure the City’s record updates to show the violation is complied/closed.
Common mistakes that keep CN063024 open
- Installing a cheap cover while the crown/top courses are still failing
- Not addressing loose bricks/mortar (safety issue)
- No documentation
- Letting water intrusion continue (leads to new violations)
Want me to tailor this to the exact notice text?
Paste the “violation details” line (or upload a screenshot). I’ll tighten the post with:
- The exact symptoms the inspector cited
- A “pass-first-time” checklist
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